Package and method of forming same



VMarch 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 29, 1958 INVENTOR5. Fail/c2722 C 5Z00J 4 March 26, 1963- E. c. SLOAN ETAL PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 29, 1958 P m5 S Q3 INVENTOR5 fcizucz/zi 6"- 04272,

r/ 1 1452 flibar/vzczm @726 6; Jewem, WWW" WWW/V March 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,

PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29,. 1958 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS. Edward C aZoarz, dzzgwmfffberfizam j/zzmfi a. J's/25am March 26, 1963, E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,033,106

PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 29, 1958 INVENTORS- B Jfarze a Janeen,

March 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,083,106

moms AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29, 1958 12 SheetsSheet 5 k; k Q 3 Q a Q Q March 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Q ns March 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,

PACKAGE AND METHOD OF' FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29, 1958 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS- Ewe/a C 6ZOLZ/Z wwbTbe/"mam 71 42725 d. knee/ 1" March 26, 1963 EC. SLOAN ETAL 3,083,106

moms AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29, 1958 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 f "Z f I a? W WU E 8 ::'-i: E

!6 ii z'i ZZZ INVENTOR5 Eda/arc! 0 5Z06Z7Z,

wiwfflbarmam BY @726 Q. J37Z8774 March 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,

PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29, 1958 12 Sheets-Sheet 1O INVENTOR5.

BY am? Z/Jm erz,

March 1963 I E. c. SLOAN ETAL 3,

PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Jan. 29, 1958 12 sheets-sheet 11 March 26, 1963 E. c. SLOAN ETAL PACKAGE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME mm ,m m m T a /fi m m m W wm w TQM m J 1 Q My m g B N\\ LIT Q% =4 III I Filed Jan. 29, 1958 3,d83,l06 PAKAGE AND METHfiD 6F FGRMING SAME Edward (I. Sloan, Augustus H. Eberrnan, and Hans A. Jensen, Madison, Wis assignors to @scar Mayer & (10., Inc, Chicago, iii, a corporation of Illinois Fiied Jan. 29, E58, Ser. No. 711,916 8 Claims. (Cl. 9--171) The present invention relates, generally, to innovations and improvements in packages and methods and apparatus for forming the same wherein polyvinylidene chloride films are used. Still further, the present invention particularly relates to the forming of inexpensive packages of improved strength, the packages being automatically and continuously formed by advantageous use of the properties of polyvinylidene chloride film in the supercooled state. The packages of the invention also uniquely make full use of the properties of supercooled polyvinylidene chloride film in the forming of package seals ranging from homogeneous integral seals to peelable or partable seals. Additionally, the film may tightly conform to the individual shape of the product undergoing packaging to, among other things, rigidify the package formed thereby.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Serial No. 630,194, filed December 24, 195 6, in which we disclose various advantageous uses of polyvinylidene chloride film in its supercooled state. Such film is formed from vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymers such as Saran. P'olyvinylidene chloride film along with several other well known types of syntheticfilm has been, and is now being used in the packaging of many different types of products including food products. In following standard packaging proce' dures, the film is applied to the products and portions of the film are brought into contact and fused together by the application of heat. The fused portion of the film surrounding the product provides a hermetic seal of particular use in the packaging of food products subject to spoilage. Polyvinylidene chloride films have been found to be suitable for use in the packaging of spoilable food products. Among the desired properties of the film is that of high impermeability to oxygen with the food product enclosed thereby being adequately preserved against spoilage for the requisite time necessary in carrying out normal merchandising procedures.

As referred to in our copending application, the fused seal-defining portions of package forming films, such as polyvinylidene chloride films, are formed in conformance with conventional practices by use of either a direct heat sealing or high frequency sealing method. The direct heat sealing method makes use of heated platens or irons which are brought into contact with the overlapped portions of the film to elevate the temperature of the same to the point necessary for fusion at the interface. In order to adequately elevate the temperature of the interface, the entire material of the portions of films in contact with the heated platens is also heated to the melting point of the film. Consequently, there is a tendency toward some extrusion and thinning of the heated material of the film and distortion accompanied by a change in crystal arrangement occurs throughout the sealed area.

With conventional high frequency sealing methods, alternating electric current of high frequency are used to generate heat directly in the material of the film to be fused or sealed. As the current passes through the film it alternates or reverses direction millions of times per second causing each molecule of the film between the electrodes to be twisted or distorted alternately in opposite directions. The internal friction thus created results in a substantial film temperature elevation. While the film is being heated, additional cold metal electrodes 3,083,196 Patented Mar. 26, 19%3 function to carry the heat away from the film at the contacting surfaces thereof. This results in the elevating of the film temperature at the film interface while maintaining the material of the film not forming the interface thereof at a relatively cool or low temperature. While this type of heat sealing method does not result in substantial distortion or weakening of the film along the sealed portion thereof, the method does not lend itself to eflicient use in automatic and continuous package forming procedures. Similarly, the direct heat sealing method does not lend itself to eflicient use in continuous packaging procedures and, furthermore, it is undesirable due to the resulting film destruction or distortion.

In following the conventional sealing methods described above where polyvinylidene chloride film are used in forming packages, these films once extruded are stretched to crystallize the same and orient the crystals thereof. Polyvinylidene chloride films exhibit ready stretchability when in an amorphous state following extrusion of the same. With substantially no crystallization having taken place, the polyvinylidene chloride film is readily stretchable and upon stretching becomes crystallized in an established and permanent crystalline orientation.

It has been considered in the past that where use of this film is made in product packaging, it is first necessary to establish oriented crystallinity prior. to package formation in order to provide the film with requisite strength. Upon the obtaining of crystal orientation, the film is no longer stretchable in the sense that the area of the same cannot be permanently increased without accompanying distortion or film weakening. Under these circumstances the film, when used in packaging various types of products wherein the conventional heat sealing methods discussed above are used, is not capable of being formed or shaped to the contour of the product so as to eliminate folds or overlap portions along the margins thereof either in the sealed area or immediately adjacent the same. The necessity of bunching or folding certain portions of the film in lapped relation, particularly along the heat sealed area, creates an additional problem in obtaining an efficient seal. Special care must be taken during the sealing step in order to establish a continuous hermetic seal through the areas of bunched or overlapped film. This problem not only tends to complicate the heat sealing procedure but further adds to the difficulties of obtaining a package of neat apearance.

As fully disclosed in our copending application, it has been found that crystallization can be indefinitely prevented or substantially retarded by supercooling the film immediately following extrusion of the same. The film in its supercooled condition can be maintained in its amorphous state and adequate time is thus provided for carrying out the stretching operation to the extent desired. Use of this unique property has been proposed in connection with the forming of tube or bag-like polyvinylidene chloride film products. However, where a fused sealed portion is desired in the package formed from polyvinylidene chloride film, heat sealing methods of the type described have generally been used. In this respect, the heat sealing of the film occurs following the stretching operation as a result of which the film has become completely crystallized and exhibits permanent crystal orientation. "in this condition the stretchability property of the film ha been either utilized to its fullest extent or has been overcome by adequate advancement of crystallization as a result of time and temperature conditions which eliminate the supercooled condition and properties attending the same.

In line with our earlier discovery, the polyvinylidene chloride films when in a supercooled state can be-brought together and cohered or fused to an extent that an efiicient seal can be established which exhibits hermetic properties where such properties are desired. The application of heat or the utilization of heat sealing methods of any known type, including those previously described, is unnecessary. Consequently, by hereafter referring to a fused seal it is intended to exclude the commonly accepted use of the term implying the application of heat.

Upon supercoolin g the extruded polyvinylidene chloride film, this film not only exhibits the property of stretchability in its amorphous state, but further exhibits the property of self-coherence or self-fusability capable of being utilized in automatically and continuously. providing different types of efficient seals. The type of seal formed will depend upon the extent to which crystallization is induced and this latter extent can be readily controlled in the manner described in our copending application as well as referred to hereinafter. In its supercooled or amorphous state with no substantial degree of crystallization occuring, the contacting of separate portions of polyvinylide'ne chloride film or films results in the immediate formation of a fused seal without distortion or thinning of the contacted portions and of a type which requires the destruction of the material in order to gain access into a package formed'thereby. Still further, upon the presence of a predetermined degree of inducement toward crystal formation and while the film is retained in supercooled condition and in a substantially complete amorphous state, the contacting of portions of a film or films results in the immediate formation of an efiicient non-fused type of seal having a discernably observable interface and which is readily partable, peelable or separable after subsequent crystallization completion without attendant film destruction or distortion.

Upon investigation of the physical and chemical properties of supercooled polyvinylidene chloride film, no evidence of crystallization has been observed even though there is a variation in the type of self-sealing action occurring when portions of the film are contacted with one another. In this connection it has been found that untempered supercooled polyvinylidene chloride film forms a fused seal as described above while the film which is subsequently tempered by a short heat or temperature elevating treatment will form a readily peela-ble seal which, although being readily peelable or part-able, nevertheless, establishes and maintains hermetic conditions. In closely observing the film during tempering of the same within the supercooling temperature range, no discernable crystal formation has been observed. It has been theorized that during the tempering of the supercooled film, crystallization is being induced although the degree of inducement or induction present at the temperature to which the film has been tempered is not measurable or observable by the use of conventional laboratory testing methods. For purposes of description, however, and based on the theory of molecular rearrangement in prep aration for crystallization, the principles of the present invention will be described herein by reference to inducement of crystallization by tempering the film in its supercooled condition. However, it should be understood that by prescribing to this theory in an effort to explain the phenomenon resulting in the formation of a fused seal, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Upon recognition of theunique supercooled properties of polyvinylidene chloride films, we have found that advantageous use of these properties can be had in the automatic and continuous formation of packages thus completely eliminating manual manipulation of the film, products or packages during the formation thereof while further eliminating any batch-like single step operation which would materially increase the cost of package formation and further impede the speed of package formation. As disclosedin our copending application in connection with particular reference to the formation of bacon packages, continuoussheets of polylvinylidene. chloride film are extruded and immediately supercooled following which they are automatically and continuously introduced into a package forming apparatus wherein package forming dies are used to automatically form packages enclosing the products fed onto the film during movement of the same through the apparatus. Vacuum controls are utilized in maintaining proper separation of the films during package evacuation steps of the process and vacuum is again utilized in an automatic manner to bring the films into intimate contact with the products located therebetween while enclosed in a die and to form the hermetic seal about the product with full utilization of the supercooled properties of the films and without use of heat application of the type described above. The individual productenclosing packages still integrally formed with the continuous sheets of films are continuously advanced from association with the package forming dies and the films are subjected to controlled heating wherein crystallization is advanced or completed to an extent to overcome the supercooled properties of the film for etficient package handling purposes. Subsequent to completion of crystallization, the individual packages are cut from the continuous sheetof the films and the waste film is collected and may be processed for re-use. In following this general method and in utilizing the type of continuously operating apparatus disclosed in our copending application, the packages are automatically and continuously formed as a result of full and efiicient utilization of the supercooled properties ofpolyvinylidene chloride films, these properties being destroyed or overcome in the film following use of the same to result in the formation of packages which in substantially every r spect exhibit all of the desirable 1 properties considered necessary in packages, particularly those used in hermetically protecting food products.

It is an object of the present invention to make use of the unique self-sealing properties of polyvinylidene chloride film in its supercooled condition for the packaging of products.

A further object is to provide new and improved forms of packages formed from polyvinylidene chloride films having sealed portions thereof which are of a fused nature or are readily separable or peelable without utilizing mechanical means and without attendant destruction or distortion of theifilrn surrounding or forming the seal.

It is an object of the present invention to make full use of the unique self-sealing properties of polyvinylidene chloride film in its supercooled condition for the packaging of products whereby the package formed very substantially conforms to the shape of the product so as to readily exhibit the same while adequately protecting the same as, for example, in connection with the packaging of a plurality of food products such as wieners arranged in sideby-side relation, wherein the resulting package is inexpensive while exhibiting adequate strength and improved characteristics.

A further object is to provide a new and improved form of package utilizing the'supercooled properties of polyvinylidene chloride film wherein the film forming the package very substantially conforms to the contour of a plurality of products arranged in side-'by-side relation to provide a strong finished package of unique and improved appearance while meeting all of the standard package requirements such as the establishment and maintaining of hermetic conditions in connection with the packaging of food products, the package being formed from top and bottom film portions which have contacting peripheral portions defining a seal along at least one side of the package, the supercooled properties of polyvinylidene chloride film being utilized to the extent desired to either provide a permanently fused seal or a readily partable, peelable or separable seal which, while being readily separable, is nevertheless capable of establishing and maintaining hermetic sealing conditions.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide anew andirnproved method of forming the type of package referred to in the foregoing objects, this method being capable of continuous and uninterrupted practice in the automatic formation of the packages, the method not only making full use of the supercooled properties of polyvinylidene chloride film in forming a package wherein the material thereof substantially completely conforms to the contour of the products contained therein but further wherein laminated films are continuously formed to provide packages of an improved nature, the laminated film being formed from laminates of polyvinylidene chloride film which separately exhibit certain desirable properties and which cooperate in laminated relation to provide an improved type of package.

Another object of the present invention is to provide new and improved apparatus capable of carrying out the method referred to in the foregoing object and further capable of continuously and automatically forming and handling the packages of the present invention, the apparatus including new and improved units in the form of a product loader, package-forming dies which function to automatically form the packages and are designed to make full utilization of the supercooled properties of the polyvinylidene chloride film used therewith, and pack age holding and separating elements.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B in combined form constitute a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention, certain parts being shown diagrammatically and certain other parts being shown partially broken away or in section, the left-hand portion of FIG. 1B being a con tinuation of the right-hand portion of FIG. 1A as viewed;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the package forming and handling portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the product loading portion of the apparatus;

'FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the product loading portion shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a portion of the apparatus illustrating the loading of the product intermediate spaced continuous films and the manner in which the independently movable die forming elements cooperate to continuously form package-forming dies;

FIG.' 6 is an enlarged, partially diagrammatic elevational section of the apparatus taken generally along line 66 in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a portion of the apparatus illustrating the means for controlling movement of certain of the die forming elements;

FIG. 8 is a top plan View of one form of top plate constituting a die forming element;

FIG. 9 is an end elevation of the top plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one of the bottom plates constituting one of the die forming elements;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation of the bottom plate of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one of the fork memhers constituting one of the die forming elements;

'FIG. 13 is an end elevation of the fork member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged rear face elevation of an end gasket structure forming a part of the fork member of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section of the end gasket structure of FIG. 14 taken generally along line 15-15 therein;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the fork member of FIG. 12 as viewed generally along line 16'16 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary vertical section of a completed package forming die illustrating cooperating func tioning of the various die forming elements comprising the same, this section being taken generally along the transverse center line of the various die forming elements as indicated by the section lines 17-17 in 'FIGS. 8 and 12;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary vertical section of a completed package forming die similar to the illustration of FIG. 17, the transverse section of FIG. 18 having been taken generally along lines 18--18 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12through each of the die forming elements illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of one form of improved package constituting a part of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation of the package of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a transverse section of the package of FIG. 19 taken generally along line 2121 therein;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevation of the apparatus illustrating the operation of the package holding and separating unit thereof;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged bottom plan view of one of the die elements of the package holding and separating unit; FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the die element of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partly sectioned fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the Package holding and separating unit illustrating operation of the die element of FIGS. 23 and 24 therein;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged top plan view of the other form of die element of the package holding and separating unit;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary elevational section of the combined die elements of FIGS. 24 and 26, the section being taken generally along lines 27-47 of these views; and

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary elevational section at right angles to that of FIG. 27 as viewed along lines 2828 of FIGS. 24 and 26.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a preferred form of continuous package forming apparatus which constitutes a part of the present invention is diagrammatically illustrated for purposes of generally describing its function as well as the method of continuously forming packages of the type which also constitute a part of the present invention. The numeral 25 generally designates a diagrammatically illustrated polyvinylidene chloride film forming means which includes three hoppers, each of which is identified by the numeral 26, into which ground, powderlike polyvinylidene chloride resin is fed and delivered into separated portions on an extruder supply means 27 which communicates with a series of separate film extruding members 28, 29 and 30.

A separate supply hopper 26 is illustrated in FIG. 1A for each film extruding member to handle, each different compositional type of polyvinylidene chloride film used in carrying out the preferred package formation procedure of the present invention. In this respect, FIG. 1A illustrates the use of separate extruding members 23- 31F to supply films of different properties, although it will be understood that two separate single films can be used if desired where it is unnecessary to establish special hermetic sealing conditions or other specific characteristics in the packages formed. The extruding members 28 and 3th function to supply continuous oxygen barrier films which preferably will have a composition of approximately vinylidene chloride and 10% vinyl chloride whereas the extruding member 29 is provided with two extruding die slots to supply two separate films which each exhibit a high degree of flexibility and which preferably have a composition of approximately 68% vinylidene chloride and 32% vinyl chloride. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the oxygen barrier films are each designated by the numeral 31 whereas the highly flexible films are each designated by the numeral 32.

Immediately upon forming the films 31 and 32, the same are introduced into a supercooling water bath 33 contained by a tank 34 in which spaced pairs of combining rollers 35 and 36 are mounted and driven by suitable means. The oxygen barrier film 31 formed by the extruding member 28 and one of the highly fiexible films 32 formed by the extruding member 29 are laminated by contacting the same between the pair of rollers 35 and the resulting laminated film 37 constitutes the bottom sheet for use in package formation. The remaining continuous films 31 and 32 formed by the extruding members 36 and 29, respectively, are laminated by being passed through the paired rollers 36 and the resulting laminate 38 constitutes the top sheet or film used in the package process. 7

The laminated films 37 and 38 are moved through the supercooling bath 33 to the extent desired whereby the temperature of the same is reduced or held at a low enough degree to retard crystallization of the films and retain the self-adherence or self-fusing properties for packaging purposes. These properties result in immediate fusing between the films 31 and 32 within the supercooling bath 33 resulting in the formation of the laminated sheets 37 and 38. The combining rollers 35 and 36 are driven at an appropriate speed to hot stretch the films 31 and 32 as they are received from their respective extruding members after which the laminated films 37 and '38 are fully supercooled to the extent desired. Hot stretching is relied upon to establish the desired film thickness for package formation.

The laminated films 37 and 38 are moved through the supercooling bath 33 and guided by spaced rollers 39 and 40, respectively, these rollers functioning to retain the films in the supercooling bath 33 for a time adequate to establish the supercooled properties of the film for subsequent use while at the same time preventing contact between the films. The films 37 and 38 are subsequently delivered from the supercooling bath 33 onto conveyor belt assemblies 41 and 42, respectively, and the bottom film 37 moves over a supporting roller 43 into contact with a plurality of continuously moving bottom die forming plates 44 which are suitably attached to a chain drive in a manner to be described, driven by spaced drive means in the form of paired sprockets 45 and 4d, the sprocket 46 being located near the middle of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1B. The bottom die forming plates 44 are arranged in an endless series for continuous movement throughout the length of the package forming portion of the apparatus including return of the same in inverted position underneath the apparatus for continuous reuse.

The bottom film 37, as previously described, is continuously delivered into surface engagement with the continuous series of bottom plates 44 and a product 47, such as a plurality of wieners arranged in side-by-side relation, is delivered onto each of the spaced top portions of the continuous bottom film 37 contacting each top fiat surface of the plates 44. Automatic product delivery means of any suitable type, the location of which is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1A and identified by the'n-umeral 48, feeds a product onto each bottom plate 44 following bottom film contact with the same. A specific form of product loader 48 will subsequently be described, this form being particularly adapted for use with the packaging apparatus of the present invention and constituting a part of said invention.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the general arrangement of the packaging apparatus is illustrated as including the series of continuously moving bottom plates 44 extending longitudinally of a substantial portion of the apparatus and centrally thereof. To each side of the series of bottom plates 44 are package forming die side Wall defining assemblies generally designated by the numerals 49 and 50 which include basically a plurality of continuously moving fork members 51 which move substantially transversely into and out of die forming relation with the bottom plates 44. The structural details and movement control features of the paralleling fork assemblies 49 and 50 will subsequently be described in detail, but for general understanding of arrangement and functioning of the package forming apparatus, FIG. 2 illustrates the relative positioning of the die side wall defining assemblies :9 and 50 relative to the bottom die forming plates 44. From the illustration in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the separate series of fork members are arranged for synchronized movement with the continuous series of bottom plates 44 and oppositely positioned forks 51 move into paired relation over each bottom plate 44 to define converging side wall portions during die formation. In FIG. 2 it will be further understood that the bottom plates 44, as illustrated, are arranged for movement from left to right as viewed therein. The forks 51 of each assembly 49 and 56 are suitably driven to move with the plates 44 centrally of the packaging apparatus, the forks 51 being continuously returned along either side of the apparatus in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 2.

The mating of the forks 51 and the bottom plates 44 is gradual as illustrated in FIG. 2 with the forks 51 being moved diagonally in paired relation into superimposed position relative to the bottom plates 44 and on top of the bottom film 37 in engagement therewith. Special means are provided to raise the forks 51 prior to their movement over the bottom sheet 37 to avoid scraping or bunching the same and further means are provided to subsequently lower the forks 51 in paired relation into engagement with the bottom sheet 37 following proper positioning of the forks in such a manner as to define the side walls of each package forming die. The particular means for raising and lowering the forks 51 will be subsequently described in detail. The forks 51 are angularly brought into die forming relation with the bottom plates 44 so as to enclose the products 47 therebetween without contacting the products.

The top film 38, as shown in FIG. 1A, is continuously delivered into covering relation with the paired forks 51 following completion of movement of the forks into side enclosing relation with the package forming dies being assembled. A top sheet guide roller 52 directs the top sheet 38 into covering relation with the paired forks 51 positioned over each bottom plate 44. Continued movement of the package forming dies, which are assembled to the extent described, brings the same into association withacontinuously moving endless series of die forming top plates 53 positioned overhead relative to the bottom plates 44 and forks 51. The top plates 53 are mounted in any suitable manner, such as on endless chains operated by front and rear pairs of drive sprockets 54 and 55. Direction of rotation of the sprockets 54 and 55 is indicated in FIGS. 1A and 13 by the arrows therein and any suitable means may be used to supply power to the same. The top plates are driven at a rate equal to the rate of movement of the bottom plates 44 and forks 51 and are synchronized with the same so as to continuously move into die enclosing relation against the top surface of the top sheet 38 to clamp the same against the top surfaces of the paired forks already positioned relative to bottom plates 44. Thus, each package forming die is completed with the product 47 enclosed thereby and package formation can be automatically initiated and completed in a manner to be described.

The top plate assembly has associated therewith, as shown in FIG. 1A, a known type of rotary valve assembly 56 which is connected by separated series of three flexible tubes or hoses 57 to each of the top plates 53. The operation of the valve 56 is synchronized with the movement of the top plates 53 and the assembled dies are evacuated, swept with an inert gas, and further evacuated with automatic package formation resulting by use of the rotary valve assembly 56 which has associated therewith conventional vacuum impressing means, an inert gas supply or any other suitable means capable of supplying gas or vacuum for package forming purposes. The mannor in which vacuum is impressed or inert gas is delivered to the assembled dies through the rotary valve assembly 56 and the flexible tubes57 will be described in detail,

the general arrangement being substantially the same as that disclosed in our copending application referred to above.

Following the package forming operation which occurs during association of the top plates 53 with the bottom plates 44 and paired forks 51, the formed packages surrounded and supported by the paired forks 51 continuously move out of association with the top and bottom plates 53 and 44 as shown in FIG. 133. At this stage of the package forming operation the continuous sheets of film 37 and 38 are unbroken but are subdivided into longi tudinally spaced, interconnected packages. The supercooled properties of the films still exist and have been utilized in forming the packages While the same were completely enclosed within the dies formed by the various cooperating elements previously described. It is now preferred to advance crystallization of the films adequately to destroy or overcome the supercooled properties thereof and remove any self-coherence tendencies. Crystalliza tion can be furthered by heat alone without it being necessary to stretch the films and heat is preferably used without attendant stretching to prevent distortion of the packages formed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the supported packages move under a heating element 58 which may be of any desired length to heat the package films to the requisite crystal lization temperature. To provide for fork removal and package separation from the continuous films, a package holding and separation assembly is preferably used subsequent in operative location to that of the heating element 58. This assembly includes the use of a plurality of top die elements 59 which are carried by a suitable continuously moving endless belt or chain assembly driven by rollers or paired sprockets 6i) and 61 continuously into and out of package surrounding relation within the paired forks 51. The top die element assembly is of similar operative arrangement as the previously described series of top plates 53 with the main difierence being that each top die element carries cam operated knife blades for package separation purposes in a manner to be described. Associated with the top die element assembly is a cooperating bottom die element assembly including chain driven bottom die elements 62. Sprockets 63 and 64 drive the die elements 62 in the direction indicated for synchronized cooperation with the top die elements 59 to completely enclose the packages therebetween within each pair of forks 51. The paired die elements 59 and 62 clamp each package for fork removal without package film distortion or damage While separating each package from the continuous films upon cam operation of the knife blades of the top die elements.

Upon clamping of the film immediately surrounding each package, the paired forks 51 automatically separate from one another and the forks move transversely outwardly out of association with the completed packages 65 and are returned to the front end of the apparatus for reuse as illustrated in FIG. 2. A completely separated package 65 is held in each bottom die element 62 and subsequently delivered therefrom onto a conveyor 66 upon separation of the die elements 59 and 62 as shown in FIG. 1B. The combined films 37 and 38 are still-unbroken although the spaced packages have been removed therefrom. The marginal or waste film identified by the numeral 67 is wound upon a spindle 68 and may be reused by introducing the same into a shredder from which ground, powder-like polyvinylidene chloride resin is re-cycled for blending with virgin stock followed by feeding to the hoppers 26. The package forming operation is thus completed and the individual packages are in condition for handling for shipping and merchandising purposes.

As previously described, any suitable product loading mechanism can be used with the apparatus of the present invention in order to deliver in a continuous, synchronized manner a product onto the portions of bottom film 37 supported by each bottom plate 44. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred type of product loading mechanism 48 which forms a part of the present invention and which includes an elongated drive mechanism housing 73 having rounded ends and being supported by a surface plate 74 forming a part of the packaging apparatus and suitably supported by the main frame thereof. The housing 73 is open along all sides thereof having received therealong a continuous, flexible belt-like structure defined by a plurality of vertically directed flat plates 75 which are suitably spaced from and interconnected with one another by spaced chains or other similar means of belt-like arrangement. In this manner the plates 75 are mounted for continuous movement along the sides of the housing 73 including flexing movement around the ends thereof. Any suitable drive arrangement can be used for continuous movement of the arrangement defined by the plates 75, such drive arrangement utilizing, for example, spaced sprockets at each end of the housing 73 the locations of which are indicated by the vertical shafts '76 and 77.

Included among the series of plates 75 are a plurality of spaced plates 78 which are of less width than that of the plates 75 and which have journaled therethrough radially outwardly directed pins 79 each of which have attached at the outermost ends thereof a fiat downwardly and outwardly extending pusher-type blade 80. The product loading mechanism 48 is provided with suitable camming means (not shown) for automatically and periodically pivoting each pin 7% during continuous periph eral movement of the same along the housing 73, the pivoting of each pin 79 resulting in pivotal movement of the pusher blade 8t carried thereby into a substantially fiat horizontal plane as illustrated in the right-hand portion of FIGS. 3 and 4 during movement of each blade 84 substantially transversely over a bottom plate 44. Each blade 80 will normally be positioned in a substantially vertical plane during movement of the same for product engaging and pushing but is automatically pivoted into a substantially horizontal plane following the depositing of a product 47 onto a bottom plate 44 to thus allow the blade 80 to clear the top of the product 47 and to prevent displacement of the product from the bottom plate.

The supporting surface 74 has an opening 81 therein located on the product delivery side of the mechanism 43 and extending directly over the top central portion of the continuous series of bottom plates 44 on which the bottom film 37 has been delivered. The opening 81 is in the form of a rectangular slot-like area in which a plurality of rollers 82 are suitably mounted. The rollers 82 are freely rotatable about their respective mounting shafts and the pusher-type blades 80 move over the series of rollers 82 in close association therewith to engage products 47 deposited on the rollers 82 and move the products in the same direction as that of the series of bottom plates 44 to continuously deliver a separate product 47 on the area of bottom film 37 received on the top surface of each bottom plate 44 in centrally positioned relation thereto as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Due to the substantially friction-free operation of the rollers 82, the products 47 are readily moyed therealong by the contacting blades 80 and subsequently delivered onto each bottom plate 44. Once complete delivery of a product 47 onto a bottom plate 44 has been accomplished, the pusher blade 80 delivering the product is automatically pivoted into a substantially horizontal plane so as to pass over the product and return for reuse in delivering another product to another bottom plate in a continuous, uninterrupted manner. Immediately following product delivery, each pusher blade Si is pivoted back into its substantially vertical position for subsequent contact with another product to deliver the same in the manner described. The top film 38 is delivered above the product loading mechanism 48 in the manner previously described by the conveyor 42 for contact with the top plates 53.

.FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which the various die 11 a forming elements are continuously brought together to form a packaging die which encloses spaced portions of the bottom and top films 37 and 38 with a product 47 positioned intermediate these portions. As previously described, a product 47 is delivered onto the top surface of the portion of bottom film 37 engaging the top surface of each bottom plate 44 and a side wall defining fork 51 is moved in a substantially transverse directioninto engagement with each bottom plate 44 relative to the film portion and product received thereon. The separate fork assemblies 49 and t are synchronized in operation with the continuously moving bottom plate series and product delivery mechanism 48 to cause automatic formation of a plurality of package forming dies in the sequence described. Following end face engagement of each pair of side wall defining forks 51 relative to each bottom plate 44, the top film 38 is delivered into engagement with the top surfaces of the paired forks 51 and a top plate 53 moves downwardly into die completing position to enclose the top of each package forming die and engage the top film portion forming a part thereof. The top plate assembly is driven by suitable means mounted in a housing 83 forming a part thereof. The roller 52. receives the top film 38 thereunder to bring the same into engagement with the top surfaces of the paired forks 51 prioi to receiving a top plate 53 in die enclosing relation therewith.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 13, eachfork 51 is provided with a vertically directed body portion 84' which at the bottom thereof has integrally formed therewith a radially outwardly directed ear portion 85 which is centrally apertured for receiving therethrough a pin 86 (see FIG. 6) which attaches the lowermost end of each fork 51 to a link chain 87 suitably driven by sprockets forming a part of each of the fork assemblies 49 and 50 The sprockets are in. driving engagement with any suitable form of power means such as an electric motor. The top end of the body portion 84 of each fork 51 has integrally formed therewith a radially directed neck portion 83 which projects radially outwardly of the body portion 84 in opposite directions, the rearmost portion defining an car 89 which is centrally apertured and which is located directly above the ear 85, each of these cars being vertically aligned relative to a common vertical axis. The top car 89 of each fork 51 has received therein a pin 95 which is attached to a link chain 91 which forms a part of each fork assembly 49 and 5t) and parallels the direction of movement of the lower chain 87 in vertically spaced relation thereto so as to mount the forks 51 in'side-by-side relation for continuous movement along the sides of the fork assemblies in the manner previously described. The top chains 91 of each assembly are suitably driven by sprockets carried by the same shaft as the sprockets which drive the bottom chains 87. Referring to FIG. 2, each fork assembly 49 and 50 is illustrated as being provided with vertical end shafts 92 and 93 on which the chain driving sprockets are mounted, the top sprockets 94- being illustrated in broken lines in driving engagement with the the form of a continuous strip coinciding with the outer periphery of each fork assembly 49 and 5t) and being supported therein by a plurality of spaced posts 101 which are suitably carried between a transverse bottom plate 102 and a centrally interrupted top plate 103. The bottom plate 162 extends centrally through the continuous path of movement of the series of bottom plates 44 without interfering with the operation of the same and extends beneath each of the side fork assemblies 49 and as shown in FIG. 6. The bottom plate 102 is further supported by main frame members 164 which form a part of the main frame supporting the entire package forming member.

The cam followers 99 of the forks 51 are in engagement with the outer edge of a continuous cam track 1&5 included in each fork assembly 49 and 50. The cam track ms is of structural arrangement similar to the cam track it'll) being generally formed from a continuous strip of metallic plate which follows the periphery of each fork assembly 4-9 and 5% to provide a continuous outer edge in guiding engagement with each fork 51 during movement of the same. The cam followers '98 and 99 cooperating with the cam tracks 1th) and 1&5, respectively, function to guide each fork 51 about the outer side periphery of each assembly 49 and 50 for die forming opera tion. The provision of the divergent cars 96 and 97 on which oppositely directed cam followers are mounted imparts stability to the operative movement of each fork 51 while guiding the same around the rounded opposite ends of each fork assembly 49 and 59. With this arrangement positive stabilized control of operative functioning of each fork 51 isobtained in an uncomplicated, substantially maintenance-free manner.

The body portion 84 of each fork 51 has further attached thereto a radially inwardly directed cam follower assembly 106 which is located intermediate the top car 89 and the cam follower cars 96 and 97. The assembly res includes a cam follower which is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and which further is radially inwardly directed relative to the body portion 84 on which the same is mounted. As previously described, it is necessary to raise each fork 51 during movement of the same into die forming position relative to the bottom film 37 and a bottom plate 44. The raising of the fork 51 provides for uninterrupted or contact-free movement. of the arms 95 thereof over the top of the portion of bottom film 37 carried on the top surface of a bottom plate 44. The movement of the fork arms 95 relative to the bottom plate 44,

. with which they cooperate to define a package forming die,

top chains 91.

The neck portion 88 of each fork 51 has integrally formed therewith at the end thereof opposite the car 09 a pair of radially outwardly directed fork arms 95 which cooperate to define an outwardly opening, substantially U-shaped area the inner periphery of which constitutes one-half of the die assembly side wall. The oppositely positioned forks 51 of the cooperating assemblies 49 and 50 function upon paired engagement in the manner described to complete the side wall assembly of each die during die formation. At substantially the mid-point of the body portion 84 of each fork 51, an integrally formed, radially inwardly directed pair of divergent ears 96 and 97 are provided for the mounting of rotatable cam followers 98 and 99, respectively. The cam followers 98, as particularly shown in FIG. 6, are in engagement with the outer edge of a cam track 100 which is in is such that during this relative movement the fork arms should not be in contact with the bottom film 37 in order to prevent stretching and launching of the bottom film 37 or other damaging action to the same. Following completion of movement of each fork 51 into its proper position over the top of a bottom plate 44 and into engagement with its oppositely positioned fork 51, it is necessary to lower each fork 51 in a vertical direction to engage the bottom surface of the same with the portion of the film associated with the top surface of the bottom plate 44.

FIG. 7 best illustrates the manner in which each fork 51 is automatically raised and lowered during positioning of the same for die forming purposes. Each fork assembly'49 and 50 includes a camming plate 107 which is located at the forward end of the assembly mounted about the shaft 92 and positioned above the cam track for engagement by the cam follower 106 of each fork 51. Movement of each fork along the outer side of each fork assembly 49 and 50 in a direction towards the front end portion of the same eventually results in engagement between the cam follower 166 of each fork 51 with an end .of the cam plate 107, which end as shown in FIG. 7 is downwardly offset to define a sloping cam track surface 1G8 which is sufliciently depressed along its outermost edges to be received under each cam follower 1&6. Continued movement of the fork 51 results in its being raised by the camming action of the inclined surface 168 with the cam follower 106 moving upwardly therealong onto the top edge surface of the cam track 107. Each fork 51 is mounted relative to its bottom and top driving chains 87 and 91 to permit vertical reciprocal movement of the fork therebetween for lifting and lowering purposes. The mounting ears 85 and 89 having the chain attaching pins 86 and 90 received therein move relative to the pins upwardly to provide for adequate lifting of the fork 51 to permit the bottom surface of the arms 95 thereof to clear the bottom film 37 during movement of the fork into its operative position. The lifting cam track 107 is continuous about the rounded forward end of each fork assembly 49 and 50 to an extent that each fork 51 is held in its raised position until the outer end surfaces of the arms 95 thereof are brought into abutting engagement with the end surfaces of an oppositely paired fork 51 of the opposite assembly.

' Following end face engagement of the paired arms 95 of oppositely positioned forks 51 and prior to contacting of the top film 38 -with the top surf-ace of the paired forks, each fork moves into operative association with a fork lowering cam element or block 109 which is illustrated in FIG. 7. The block 109 is mounted along the inner side of each fork assemblies 49 and 50 and is provided with an inclined, radially inwardly directed projec tion 116 under which the cam follower 106 of each fork 51 moves. The inclination of the under surface of the projection 110 is such that the cam follower 106 and associated fork structure is forced downwardly and the fork is lowered into bottom surface sealing engagement with the bottom film portion received over the top face of its associated bottom plate 44-. The camming action of the block 109 is such that each fork 51 is moved downwardly into engagement with the bottom film 37 in a relatively quick manner. The weight of each fork 51 aids in the camming action of the block 1119' and, under normal circumstances, this weight may be adequate alone to cause each fork to move downwardly into its original position following movement of the cam follower 106 off of the opposite end of the cam track 1117 and out of supported engagement therewith. However, to assure quick responsive fork lowering action, the use of the cam block 109 is preferred, this block functioning toprevent inadvertent retention of a fork 51 in its raised position relative to its associated bottom plate 44-. It will be understood that the fork lowering block 109 is not necessary to efiicient functioning of the apparatus but is merely a preferred part thereof. In this connection, subsequent combining of the top plates 53 with the paired forks 51 will result in fork lowering in the event of sticking of the same.

FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9 illustrate the important structural features of the top plates 53 with respect to the manner in which the same are mounted in the package forming apparatus. Each top plate 53 is provided with a flat bottom surface 111 which defines the inner top surface of each package forming die. The outer surface of each plate 53 is provided with a pair of mounting ears 112 which are positioned centrally along side margins of the plate. Each mounting car has attached thereto a radially inwardly directed pin which is fastened to a link of a continuous chain 113 which is driven by the drive means 54 and 55 diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the means 54 being more specifically illustrated in FIG. as a sprocket mounted on a shaft 14 which is driven by suitable power means enclosed in the housing 83.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a support rail 115 is located intermediate the drive sprockets 54 and 55 along both the upper and lower paths of top plate movement to support the chains 113. The track supports 115 are mounted in spaced relation by a plurality of frame members 116, only one of which is shown in FIG. 6. Each frame mem. her 116 is provided with a threaded adjustment member 117 at the bottom thereof for adjusting vertical position ing between the paired chained supports 115 carried by 14 transverse arms 118 forming a part of the frame structure. The threaded adjustment members 117 are used to provide for slack or to take up slack in the link chains 113 and provide the requisite sealing compression for the combined top and bottom plates and intermediate paired forks.

Each top plate 53 is further provided in a corner thereof on the outer surface opposite the fiat surface 111 with a cam follower mounting ear 119 which in FIG. 6 has mounted thereto a pair of cam followers 121 which have received therebetween a continuous cam track 121 supported by a frame member 122. The cam track 121 is in the form of a continuous inwardly directed flange which follows the contour of the top plate assembly. The paired cam followers 121) of each top plate 53' being received on opposite surfaces of the track 121 hold the plate 53 in its proper operative position during continuous movement of the same. In this manner the series of top plates 53 continuously move into and out of die forming engagement with the top surfaces of paired forks having the top film 38 received therebetween with a product 47 suitably received within the package forming cavity.

Each bottom plate 4 2 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and 11 are constructed somewhat similarly as the top plates previously described. Each bottom plate 44- is provided with a top flat surface 123 which constitutes the bottom inner surface of a package forming die. The opposite surface of each bottom plate 44 is provided with a pair of oppositely positioned mounting ears 124 located at substantially the mid-points along opposite side margins of the plate and being pin connected to continuous link chains 125. The chains 125 are substantially longer than the chains 113 due to the much greater longitudinal movement of the bottom plates 44 along the length of the packaging apparatus. Similarly as with the top plate chains '113, the chains 125 are sprocket driven by suitable means such as 45 and 46 of FIGS. 1A and 113 at opposite ends of the package forming portion of the apparatus. Intermediate the drive sprockets 45 and 46, the chains 125 are supported on tracks 126 along the uppermost path of movement of the bottom plate assembly, the track 126 being carried by support members 127 extending upwardly from the transverse frame plate 1112. The lowermost path of travel of the bottom plates 44- includes chain tracks 128 hung on downwardly directed frame members 129' attached to the transverse frame plate 102. A corner of the surface carrying the paired attaching ears 124 of each bottom plate 44 is provided with a cam follower attaching ear 130 which, similarly as the ear 119 of each top plate 53, has attached thereto a pair of cam followers 131 which are received on opposite surfaces of a cam track 132 suitably supported by the transverse frame plate 102. The cam track 132 is continuous throughout the entire endless path of travel of the series of bottom plates 44 and the paired cam followers 131 of each bottom plate 44 in engagement with the track 132 provides for controlled movement of each bottom plate 44 into and out of package forming and handling position.

The manner in which the packages 65 are continuously formed while taking full advantage of the supercooled properties of polyvinylidene chloride film is of particular importance in connection with a full understanding of the present invention. Referring particularly to FIGS. 8, 9, 17 and 18, each top plate 53 is provided along one side margin thereof in close association with an attaching ear 112 with three drilled openings or passageways 133, 133 and 134 which have threadly received therein attaching nipples 135 of the ends of flexible hoses 57. FIG. 6 illustrates the previously described arrangement whereby the flexible hoses 57 extend from each top plate 53 to the rotary valve structure 56 which includes a rotary valve element 137 operatively mounted on a drive shaft 136 suitably driven in synchronized relation with the driving of the series of top plates 53 to rotate the valve element 137 of the assembly 56 relative to a gas supply or vacuum impressing stationary chamber 138 forming a part of the assembly as. Rotation of the valve element 137 relative to the chamber 138 provides for sequential inert gas sweeping and vacuum impressing for package forming purposes in a manner to be described. This type of valve assembly is well known and for the purposes of the present invention, it will be understood that any suitable means of providing sequential vacuum impressing and inert gas sweeping operation of the type to be described can be used in carrying out the teachings of the present invention. The groups of flexible hoses 57 generally follow the path of movement of each top plate 53 with which they are interconnected so as to avoid twisting or otherwise fouling of the connections between the top plate and the rotary valve element. 137.

The passageway 133 in each top plate 53 is in communication with a radially inwardly directed passageway 139 which extends to the center of the top plate 53 and in turn communicates with a vertically directed passageway 140 opening centrally outwardly of the fiat surface 111 of the top plate. The drilled passageway Z33 further communicates with a vertically directed passageway 141 opening outwardly of the flat surface 111 in close association with the side margin thereof along the side to which the hoses 57 are attached. The passageway 133' is in communication with a transverse passageway 139' which communicates at the opposite end thereof with a vertical passageway 14!) openingoutwardly of the fiat surface 111 on the opposite side area thereof. As shown in FIG. 18, the drilled opening 134 is solely in communication with a separate vertically directed passageway 14?. which opens outwardly of the fiat surface 111 along the side margin of the top plate 53, and the passageway 142 parallels passageway 141 but is completely out of communication there-with.

In FIGS. l2, l3, l7 and 18, the forks 51 are illustrated as including bosses 143 formed integral on opposite surfaces of the neck portion 83. These bosses function to stabilize die formation and are contacted by the oppositely positioned fiat surfaces 111 and 123 of the top and bottom plates, respectively. The bosses 143 of the forks 51 of the fork assembly 59 are provided with laterally spaced, vertically directed drilled passageways 144 and 145 which in die assembled relation are vertically aligned and in communication with the passageways 141 and 142 of a top plate 53, respectively. These passageways carry gaskets for establishing sealed communication between passageways. The passageway 144 extends entirely through the oppositely directed bosses 14-3 opening outwardly of the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The passageway 145 extends downwardly to approximately the mid-point of the paired bosses 143 without being extended through the bottom surface thereof. The forks 51 of the assembly 49 each carry a vertical passageway 144' in communication with passageway 1% of the top plates 53. Passageway 144 extends downwardly of the boss 143 to the mid-point and also carries a gasket.

Centrally of the inner peripheral surface of each fork 51 at substantially the mid-point thereof is a continuous slot or groove 146, the groove 146 of a pair of forks 51 defining the side walls of a package forming die cooperating to substantially surround the inner package forming area or cavity. The groove 146 of the fork 51 forming a part of the fork assembly is in communication with which communicate with passageways 144.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the top and bottom surfaces of the arm defining portion of each fork 51 are provided with gasket seating grooves receiving therein a compressible gasket LtS extending continuously along these surfaces for sealing engagement with the top and bottom films in association with the top and bottom plates. 'The continuous gaskets 148 provide top and bottom peripheral seals for vacuum impressing and inert gas flushing of the package forming cavity defined by the completed die assemblies. The outermost end surfaces of each arm of each fork 51 carries a removable end gasket 149 which is in the form of a block of compressible rubber or rubber-like material having imbedded therein a mounting plate 159 shown in FIGS. 14-16 to which is attached a rearwardly extending flatted mounting pin 151 received in a drilled opening 152. extending inwardly from the end face of each arm 95. A set screw 153 is threadedly received in an opening communicating with the outer surface of each arm 95 for lateral abutment with the flatted surface of the pin 151 to hold the gasket 149 in its operative position on the end face of the arm 95. As shown in FIG. 14, the mounting plate 159 is provided with spaced holes 154 into which the material of the end gasket 149 is molded for fixed retention of the same on the mounting plate 15!). Upon pairing of oppositely positioned forks 51 in the manner previously described, end face abutment of the arms 95 thereof result in sealing engagement of oppositely positioned end gaskets 149 to completely seal the side walls of the package forming die.

eferring to FIG. 17, the vertical passageway 144 extending through the neck portion 88 of each fork 51 of the fork assembly 50 is in communication. at the top thereof with the passageway 141 of the top plate 53 and is further in communication with a vertical passageway 155 in the bottom plate 44 which opens upwardly onto the flat surface 123 toward the side margin thereof as viewed ii -FIG. 17. The inner end of the passageway 155 communicates with a transversely inwardly directed passageway 156 which at its innermost end communicates with a vertically upwardly directed passageway 157 opening outwardly of. the center of the fiat surface 123 substantially in alignment with the passageway of the top plate 53. A threadcdly received plug 158 closes off the outermost end of the drilled passageway 156 to limit communicationof the same to the passageway 155. Similarly, in the top plate 53 a threadedly received plug 159 closes off the outermost end of the passageway 139 to limit communication of the same with the passageways 133'and 141. Package formation is best described in connection with FIGS 17 and 13, FIG. 1? illustrating the positioning of the top and bottom films 3S and 37 in engagement with the flat inner surfaces 111 and 123, respectively, of the top and bottom plates. The films 33 and 37 are of sui'licient width to marginally overlap the top and bottom surfaces of the paired forks 51 to thus be clamped by the gaskets 148 against the surfaces 111 and 123. While any suitable procedure of package evacuation and conditioning may be followed, the procedure to be described is preferred in the formation of a hermetically sealed food package wherein the food products, such as the wieners 4'7, are packaged.

Immediately upon completion of the assembly of each package forming die, continued rotation of the valve element 137 results in the drawing of a vacuum through all of the flexible hoses 57 connected to each top plate 53. A vacuum is thus drawn through the passageways 139 and res resulting in a drawing of the top film 33 into tight engagement with the surface 111 of the top plate 53 to hold the same thereagainst and prevent downward movement of the same within the die cavity. Vacuum is drawn through passageways 141, 144, 155, 156 and 157 to similarly hold the bottom film 37 against the surface 123 of the bottom plate 44 and prevent upward movement of the same into the die cavity- Vacuum is also drawn, as shown in H68. 17 and 18, through the passageways 133', 139, 14d, 144%, 147; 134, 142, and 147 from within the die cavity to exhaust the same of air trapped therein during the formation of the die. 

1.A PACKAGE COMPRISING CONTENTS, AND POLYVINYLIDENE CHLORIDE FILM ENCLOSING SAID CONTENTS IN CONTACT THEREWITH, PORTIONS OF SAID FILM DEFINING A SEAL ABOUT SAID CONTENTS, SAID FILM BEING CRYSTALLIZED WITH SUBSTANTIALLY RANDOM CRYSTAL DISTRIBUTION THROUGHOUT AND HAVING BEEN APPLIED TO AND SEALED ABOUT SAID CONTENTS WHILE IN THE SUPERCOOLED AMORPHOUS STATE, SAID FILM INTIMATELY AND ACCURATELY CONFORMING TO THE SURFACE CONTOUR OF SAID CONTENTS THROUTHOUT THE AREA OF CONTACT THEREWITH. 